Hiking Equipment

Theequipmentneeded for hiking is in many ways
similar to camping equipment. However, since hiking involves
considerably more on-foot travel, the emphasis of sports equipment
here is on light weight, from your clothes, to what you carry
with you. You need to buy equipment light enough so that, even when
fully packed, it will not weigh you down or cause strain on your back
and shoulders.

What you take on a hiking trip
depends mainly on the duration of your trip. For a day hike, usually
no more than 15 miles, you would forego most of the cooking
and/or sleeping gear. The hiking equipment
listed on these pages is meant for overnight or longer trips. Also,
keep in mind that high-altitude or wintertime trips, no matter
how short, will require more gear.